KENTUCKY — State Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown joins this week’s ‘In Focus Kentucky’ program for a conversation on a wide range of topics. The long-time state senator and majority floor leader for 12 years announced in early Dec. 2023 that he had decided not to run for reelection in 2024, after serving 22 years in office. 

Thayer is Kentucky’s longest-serving Republican Senate majority floor leader and was elected to that position by his Republican colleagues in Jan. 2013. He is the third Republican to serve as majority leader of the Kentucky State Senate. 

During this segment, Thayer discusses his immediate professional plans, which include focusing on private sector pursuits. However, the outgoing state lawmaker says he absolutely will be continuing to monitor Kentucky’s political landscape, most notably, the open seat for governor in 2027, when Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., finishes his two terms serving in the executive mansion. Thayer says his decision to run to try and replace Besher will depend on the field of candidates for the 2027 Kentucky gubernatorial election.

Thayer also says he will be keeping an eye on Congressional movements with Kentucky’s federal delegation and specifically in relation to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s decision on whether to run for re-election in 2026. Thayer explains that if Sen. McConnell does not run for another six-year term in Congress, he anticipates significant changes in Kentucky politics and hopes to be part of the conversation.

You can watch the full 'In Focus Kentucky' segment in the player above.